With 2016 ending as the best automotive sales year on record and finishing with the strongest December numbers ever, many experts are predicting 2017 automotive sales will slow. Certainly that would make sense given that pent-up demand for new vehicles seems to have worked its way through the pipeline. But there may be reasons for continued optimism. Based on consumer demand for bigger vehicles, pickup truck sales should continue to do well and there are some indicators that the economy is building strength.

Looking at sales numbers for January, Ford continued its reign as the top-selling full-size pickup, posting a gain of 12.5 percent over January 2016. Ram also gained compared with last January, while both the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra faltered out of the starting gate, posting decreases. The Toyota Tacoma mid-size pickup retained its top-selling title despite posting a small decrease from January 2016. The Chevy Colorado started strong with a 16.4 percent gain over last year, while the GMC Canyon lost traction dropping from No. 9 on our list in December 2016 to the bottom. The Canyon switched places with the full-size Nissan Titan, which posted a strong 195.4 percent gain over January 2016. That switch also bumped the Honda Ridgeline from its bottom-place berth in terms of mid-size sales.

No matter what happens in terms of sales for 2017, we're hopeful that all of the truckmakers will keep their pickups full of new technology, offering stronger replacement models on a faster timeline. Some of the more exciting pickups set to show up in dealerships in the coming year that fit that description include the off-road Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, the all-new Nissan Frontier and a host of new powertrain choices for half-ton pickups from several brands.

Damn, Ford up 12.5%, great way to start the year for them! Ford actually outsold all 4 GM entries!

Posted by: MIKEY | Feb 1, 2017 11:52:09 AM

When 30.2% of your sales come from fleet it is easy to get those type of numbers that Ford is posting. Their 29% of sales for all of 2016 to fleets tell's all. Gm's fleet for January was 21% and 29% for all of 2016.

Posted by: Denny | Feb 1, 2017 12:07:49 PM

I made an error on Gm's fleet for all of 2016 was 20%, not 29%

Posted by: Denny | Feb 1, 2017 12:10:06 PM

Wow! Ford sold 200 more trucks than all four of the GM offerings.

Posted by: Pete | Feb 1, 2017 12:24:16 PM

FORD still killin' it!

RAM is gonna overtake Chevy.

Posted by: redbloodedxy | Feb 1, 2017 12:24:16 PM

I see more dodge fleets than anything else around me

Posted by: MIKEY | Feb 1, 2017 12:27:53 PM

Some take aways....Ford continues to lead sales, for what will be the 41st year.

Ram is very close to overtaking Chevy for number 2

Toyota tacoma will over take gmc for 4th(althought not a halfton)

GMC canyon/sierra will fall off and not be a truck anymore as consumers are confused on what the difference is between a gmc and a chevy even though they both have square wheel wells

Posted by: Nitro | Feb 1, 2017 12:33:16 PM

Do they account for trade ins, global sales? I actually see more Rams than anything on the road. And I know in west Texas they love their GM trucks.

Posted by: TruckKing | Feb 1, 2017 12:37:47 PM

GM has higher margins and fewer fleet sales. They aren't crying. Total sales numbers only tell one tale.

Ford F-Series' January sales increase 13% to 57,995 trucks. Best sales start for F-Series since 2004.

Posted by: Dave Z. | Feb 1, 2017 1:01:35 PM

Ford average transaction price was almost $37k.. average price paid for f series price was $43k. Those are numbers that gm execs dream of.... gm average price paid is $34k and they are to embarrassed to list there pickup transaction prices. Gm's truck platform is old and outdated and barely treading water!!!!

Ford's fleet sales are more profitable then gms retail sales.

Posted by: Boosted | Feb 1, 2017 1:06:20 PM

Ford average transaction price was almost $37k.. average price paid for f series price was $43k. Those are numbers that gm execs dream of.... gm average price paid is $34k and they are to embarrassed to list there pickup transaction prices. Gm's truck platform is old and outdated and barely treading water!!!!

Ford's fleet sales are more profitable then gms retail sales.

Posted by: Boosted | Feb 1, 2017 1:06:39 PM

I think this is the closest Ram has come to overtaking Chevy. This is GREAT!
Also, Ford has beat all 4 GM trucks combined, with only 1 model.
Times they are a changing.

Posted by: RAMaLAM | Feb 1, 2017 1:10:17 PM

I think it must be that darn steel GM is still using. It's weighing them down and killing sales. :)

Posted by: Job1 | Feb 1, 2017 1:16:55 PM

I think it must be that darn steel GM is still using. It's weighing them down and killing sales. :)

Posted by: Job1 | Feb 1, 2017 1:16:55 PM

Only a few gains this month. Couple of those new models don't really hold much water yet. Solid start for Ford and ram for sure though.

Posted by: canoepaddler | Feb 1, 2017 1:17:42 PM

Only a few gains this month. Couple of those new models don't really hold much water yet. Solid start for Ford and ram for sure though.

Posted by: canoepaddler | Feb 1, 2017 1:17:48 PM

Is there definite confirmation that the new Frontier will be released this year? The article linked is over a year old. I have been hearing for several years that a new Frontier is imminent, but it never seems to arrive.

Posted by: 5-Speed | Feb 1, 2017 1:17:58 PM

I think this is the closest Ram has come to overtaking Chevy. This is GREAT!
Also, Ford has beat all 4 GM trucks combined, with only 1 model.
Times they are a changing.
Posted by: RAMaLAM | Feb 1, 2017 1:10:17 PM

GM guys were warned about this for years. I warned them about the decling Silverado sales.

First, their excuse was Silverado + Sierra outsells Ford.

Then it was Silverado half ton outsells F-150.

When they wouldn't use either of those talking points anymore it was Silverado + Sierra + Colorado outsells Ford.

When that stopped working it was Silverado + Sierra + Colorado + Canyone oustells Ford.

Now they are all out of excuses.

I've heard that the 2019 Silverado is looking like a F-150. You know what they always say, it you can't beat them, join them!

Posted by: Former Chevy Guy | Feb 1, 2017 1:18:06 PM

FORD still killin' it!

RAM is gonna overtake Chevy.

Posted by: redbloodedxy | Feb 1, 2017 12:24:16 PM

Yes, and damn it's short by 2000 units. Grabbing popcorn for this one.

Posted by: Frank | Feb 1, 2017 1:37:29 PM

@Former Chevy guy, the big thing here is, besides the facts you mentioned, is the GM guys are still not chiming in on the 2019 Chevy having aluminum, remember, now that they have it, will the new commercial do the bed test again? or will chevy say, "put a bed cover to protect it" we need loads of popcorn for this one.....I like extra butter, PAPAJIM can bring sodas, and GMSRGREAT can bring the babyfood.

Posted by: Nitro | Feb 1, 2017 2:05:52 PM

MIKEY,

Dodge fleets are down..

FCA in total are down in Fleet sales to have higher residual lease sales..

Ford has more fleet sales than Dodge and all of Chrysler,Dodge,Jeep,RAM and Fiat combined !!

Asian fleet sales are up..

Posted by: Fancey Pants | Feb 1, 2017 2:11:29 PM

MIKEY,

Ford has more Fleet sales than Dodge..

Ford has more fleet sales than all of Chrysler,Dodge,Jeep,RAM and Fiat !!

Chrysler reduced its fleet sales to have higher lease residual sales.

More Ford Fleet trucks,cars than Dodge !

Asians have increased their fleet sales too !!!!

Posted by: Fancey Pants | Feb 1, 2017 2:14:12 PM

No Fancey Pants. FCA fleet sales are down because they have no more Darts or 200s to sell to rental companies. Ford sellsnvery few to low cost rental fleets. Fords sales are mainly to the higher profit businesses. Educate yourself

Posted by: Yupp | Feb 1, 2017 2:19:22 PM

Can't sell what ya don't have. My Chevy dealer has one Colorado on their lot, My GMC dealer has 3 Canyons. and I live less then 10 miles from where they build them... I don;t get it...

Posted by: Dave | Feb 1, 2017 2:27:09 PM

They have plenty to sell. My local Chevy dealer has 12 new Colorados. They don't need more than that. Next Chevy dealer has 34 new Colorados.

Posted by: Jason | Feb 1, 2017 3:09:06 PM

@Nitro

I think GM's approach to to using Aluminum is a bit different than what Ford has done. GM is planning on using Aluminum were it makes since but in places like the bed floor they would stick with steel. Look fir some articles on theCadillac CT6 and you'll get the idea.

So yes, they very well might use the "bed test" again.

@former Chevy guy

The 2019 Silverado is covered in the pictures and the cover they are using is shaped like the F150. Nobody knows what the truck looks like. Just shows the GM engineers have a sense of humor. As I recall this isn't the first time they have done something like this

I imagine there will probably be some vacancies in GM's marketing and engineering departments. Whether or not they are building a competitive full size truck, people are spending their money elsewhere. Lack of powertrain options and lagging hp/tq figures in the 4.3, 5.3 probably keep some people from even looking at them (even if they work well in the real world). The new Duramax should be an animal- but GM didn't upgrade the truck (or adjust it's towing capability) to compete with Ram and Ford. Huge mistake in my opinion.

Posted by: mark49 | Feb 1, 2017 4:10:55 PM

@TrucKing
Global sales are not counted. Canada making up 99% of Global sales

Posted by: Robert Ryan | Feb 1, 2017 4:18:44 PM

Man this is the quietest those GM little girls have been in a long time. Way to funny.

Posted by: Ram blows chunks | Feb 1, 2017 3:37:32 PM

I know right. Crickets!!!

Posted by: Frank | Feb 1, 2017 4:42:01 PM

Just did a quick calculation and it looks like the Ford and Ram guys are getting their panties wet over a difference of 200 or so between GM and Ford.

Ram of course remains on a track to go out of business unless they get bailed out by the taxpayers again. And seriously the Ram guys get all worked up because they sold about half as many trucks as either Ford or GM.

Just did a quick calculation and it looks like the Ford and Ram guys are getting their panties wet over a difference of 200 or so between GM and Ford.

Ram of course remains on a track to go out of business unless they get bailed out by the taxpayers again. And seriously the Ram guys get all worked up because they sold about half as many trucks as either Ford or GM.

Kinda sad!

Posted by: papajim | Feb 1, 2017 4:57:01 PM

Hypocrite much....

Posted by: Frank | Feb 1, 2017 5:51:52 PM

Wow, even with shaky GOVT motor's using their 2 x brand strategy selling both full size & mid-size trucks still got their butts wipped by Ford's 1 x brand of full size trucks....now that's what you call mopping the floor with your competitor...I guess they are back at the drawing board to rethink how to avoid their midsizer eating away sales of their shaky full size trucks. I'm sure a few at the top are on hot ejectable seats right now.

I wonder what excuse GMSUCKS,johnny duh? & papa jim will come up with this time...I know, they will probably try include SUV sales into the mix...HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

I can only predit Ford's lead will only increase further for 2017...yep, the best never rests, for 41 yrs & counting...

It's only 1 month . In 2016 gm came first in overall truck sales. 120,000 more units sold then 2nd place ford. Gm started slow last year too and ended up on top. Nothing to worry about here.

Posted by: Ty | Feb 1, 2017 6:38:33 PM

Anyone checkout the ford press release? They added alot of good info to it this year. I appreciate that

Posted by: canoepaddler | Feb 1, 2017 6:52:50 PM

I can't believe how many new super dutys I've already seen on the road. Those HD customers aren't afraid of the aluminum body. It's seen as a premium vehicle vs. steel. Just like any aluminum trailer is considered better than steel. SO much for GM being so successful with the colorado/canyon. Now they are falling way behind in the more profitable full-size segment. They used to regularly beat ford in full size alone. Now they fail to beat them with both full and midsize combined! Maybe they'll catch up again when they start selling their new aluminum truck in two years. Until then Ford is really going to monopolize the full size truck market. Not really a good thing for consumers.

Posted by: beebe | Feb 1, 2017 6:56:12 PM

Don't worry Ford the and of the years gm will still first ,,no big deal ,,,

Posted by: Miath | Feb 1, 2017 8:18:45 PM

Don't worry Ford the and of the years gm will still first ,,no big deal ,,,

Posted by: Miath | Feb 1, 2017 8:18:45 PM

I think it's a big deal & your'e off by a couple of years buddy - it's more like 2019-20 at the earliest before shaky GOVT motors can come up with are competative full size truck. And for the rest;
- Nissan already blew their best effort & we know it's lame
- Toy makers are content with their tiny sales of an aging Tundra with no upgrades soon. Tacoma will hang on to it's crown for a little longer until the US Ranger comes out.

So I guess it really is Ford dominance & maybe Beebe has a point but I disagree; as Ford continues to raise the bar for all others to follow; it only forces the competition to improve their products & we, the happy customers should rejoice!!

Posted by: Lionel | Feb 1, 2017 8:58:29 PM

Haha, FORD fan girls all worked up about the results of FORD'S "still" clearing out the 2016 event. To bad FORD didn't sell those trucks last year, they may have made it look close in the year end totals. LOL ! Amazing what 30% off remaining 2016 f-series will do.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Feb 1, 2017 10:08:08 PM

F-150, F-350, F-650 all very different trucks but when all sales are combined can't outsell the GM pickup trucks and full-size body on frame SUV trucks. Told ya! You Ford fanboyz keep believing Ford marketing and telling yourself Ford is #1, the rest of us will know reality.

Haha, FORD fan girls all worked up about the results of FORD'S "still" clearing out the 2016 event. To bad FORD didn't sell those trucks last year, they may have made it look close in the year end totals. LOL ! Amazing what 30% off remaining 2016 f-series will do.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Feb 1, 2017 10:08:08 PM

Amen they are giving them away in L.A. You get a free Raspberry slurppy with a test drive.

The Ford does sell a lot of trucks. The only bad part is at the Ford dealership i work at, it seems every truck they sell comes in within the first 3 months with a problem. I am Ford thru and thru, but the new trucks are rolling trash.

Posted by: Sean | Feb 1, 2017 11:01:40 PM

@ Sean... don't think I'm believing your "most every truck comes back."
I have a close friend that is a body shop manager at a Ford dealership for years. Part of his benefits is he gets to pick and use almost any vehicle as his daily driver for about 12-18 months then swaps it out. His last 3 swap outs have been F150's because he tows a trailer. Currently has a 2016 for several months, loves it no issues for any of the last 3. So not buying they most all come back in only few months. Not unless they are commercial trucks being abused...

I would like to offer my congradulations to Ram Truck Owners!
You are winning for 2nd place over Chevy and I know by next month you'll be awarded 2 place.
Doesn't it make you feel good owning a Ram knowing it's gaining sales?
People are not stupid they buy the best and the increased sale numbers show that.
I want you current Ram Truck Owners to hold your head up in pride knowing everybody has the highest respect for you that you own and drive a Ram Truck !